Greater Miami & Miami Beach is a music lover’s dream, where on any given night you can stroll down a street in almost any neighborhood and hear eclectic Latin sounds pouring outside. And while dancing salsa and meringue should be on any Miami itinerary, sometimes you might be in the mood for something a little more relaxing. For those nights, Miami delivers with venues featuring live jazz from top local musicians. Whether you’re looking to kick back with a cocktail in a hotel bar or pair your music with a prime filet, here are the best places in Miami to find live jazz music.

Close-up of jazz drummer & bassist — Listen to live Jazz at The Betsy – South Beach

The Betsy – South Beach

The Betsy – South Beach is one of the great architectural oddities of Miami Beach, a colonial-style hotel complete with white columns set smack in the middle of the Art Deco District. Its design is only a small part of why The Betsy – South Beach is different from any other Ocean Drive hotel. It's a haven for artists that hosts writers in residence in its Writers Room and live jazz in its lobby. The hotel offers an astounding nine jazz sets every week, so whether you wander in for weeknight happy hour or a lunchtime cocktail, there’s a good chance someone will be playing.

Musiciant at Ball and Chain — Check out live jazz at Ball & Chain

Ball & Chain

When it comes to live music in Little Havana, it’s hard to top Ball & Chain, which hosted jazz legends such as Tommy Dorsey and Billie Holiday during its heyday. Today, its backyard pineapple bandshell is one of the coolest venues in Miami, where Latin jazz bands play surrounded by tropical plants and a soft wave of cigar smoke. It’s a must-visit for any Miami music fan.

The Gibson Room

MICHELIN-starred chef Michael Beltran helms the kitchen at this neighborhood-bar-meets-hunting-lodge on Coral Way, where stepping inside feels a bit like stumbling into the middle of a welcoming Midwest winter. The food has gained acclaim but locals know the best nights are Friday and Saturday, when solo jazz performers and small combos take over The Gibson Room’s small stage. Then, you can order a Gibson from the bar, lean back, and immerse yourself in a space that feels a world away from the streets outside.

Neme Gastro Bar

When you put a trumpet in your logo, you’re setting high expectations for the music guests will find inside. Neme Gastro Bar delivers, filling its main room along Coral Way with live, local music every night of the week. The acts are heavy on jazz, and while there’s no guarantee as to the style of music you’ll stumble upon, as long as you avoid Karaoke Wednesdays your odds of hearing jazz are pretty good. Neme also offers a wide array of traditional Latin appetizers, like tostones and croquetas, if you want something to munch on with your music. Or go for a full meal and try one of the steaks or fresh-made pastas.

Esmé Miami Beach Hotel

Set along charming Española Way, the Esmé Hotel is a sophisticated respite where you can relax with a martini in a dark speakeasy and enjoy some live jazz. On Thursday nights, Esmé’s intimate El Salón, slightly hidden off the main lobby, welcomes a live Cuban jazz band whose music provides the perfect soundtrack to an evening along this Mediterranean street scene.

The Fish House

A little fish shack in the Kendall area isn’t exactly the first place one would expect to find some of the best live music in Miami. But this family-run spot has been serving up fresh catches and cool local bands since 1996. The walls are adorned in pictures of the people who’ve played there, and the stage has new acts almost every night. The Fish House usually hosts jazz on Wednesdays and Fridays, but stop in other nights and you’ll find blues and acoustic music too.

Lagniappe House

At first glance, this Midtown hotspot looks at first glance like an eccentric relative’s backyard, dotted with mismatched furniture and strings of lights. And while the back patio at Lagniappe House is a Miami social staple, head there on weekends and you’ll find live jazz combos entertaining the small crowds indoors. You can pick up a bottle of Lagniappe’s fantastic wines and pair it with a fresh-cut charcuterie board, which feels especially sophisticated when backed by jazz.

The Corner

The Corner has gained a strong reputation among locals as one of the best spots in Downtown Miami to grab a craft cocktail. Much of the reason is because of its intimate, dark atmosphere, which lends itself perfectly to late night drinks, and also to weeknight jazz. Stop in on Tuesday nights and you can hear live bands playing as you enjoy a craft beer or the Cocktail O’ The Week.

The Globe

This narrow little restaurant in Coral Gables has been a mainstay on Miami’s live music scene since the 1990s. The Globe is a regular Saturday destination for jazz, Afro-Cuban music, blues and other genres. The small tables and cozy confines make it feel like a hidden nightclub of yesteryear. Even if you go for the music, it’s worth saving your appetite for the steak and pizzas.

Jass Kitchen

If your date night calls for a little live jazz, make your reservation at this Turkish bistro just north of the Miami Design District. Jass Kitchen’s walls are filled with framed jazz records, and this is a great place to enjoy mezzes, oven-baked branzino and Turkish ravioli by candlelight. The whole scene is set by a live jazz band that keeps things lively without getting intrusive.

Soya E Pomodoro

One of Downtown Miami’s great hidden gems, Soya E Pomodoro is a funky neighborhood Italian restaurant set between marble walls in what looks like a covered-up alleyway. It’s been the setting for many a romantic evening and group celebration, and on Thursday nights you’ll find live jazz playing in front of its decorative bookcases. The walls provide especially good acoustics, too, as the atmosphere never gets so loud as to ruin the ambience.

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